ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects men & women. However, societal expectations & gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women are also better at masking their symptoms, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities all contribute to roadblocks to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are a few of most frequently reported untreated adhd females.
1. Trouble focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men however, women and those born female (AFAB) aren't yet being diagnosed for the condition. This is in part because women's symptoms are more often inattentive than those of the hyperactive/impulsive type, which make them less likely to get referred for assessment and treatment.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include forgetting important appointments or things that are important, and getting easily distracted by social or work occasions. Women with this disorder might also have difficulty to concentrate on schoolwork or other work. Women with ADHD may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or medical issues.
People who have inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and attempt to make up for them. Others might interpret their behavior incorrectly, leading to confusion, frustration and conflict within relationships. This can result in missed career opportunities and challenges in the workplace.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on females. Women may find it difficult to cope with their difficulties both at home and at the workplace. This makes it difficult for them to keep afloat as they juggle their multiple obligations and try to reach the goals that they set for themselves.
In addition to having difficulty in focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their families and friends. In the end, they can become isolated or develop unhealthy patterns of self-defeating behaviors like alcohol abuse.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also develop internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem, feelings of shame, guilt or worthlessness. This makes them more susceptible to physical and mental stressors and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. This means they are more likely to turn to self-injury or suicide than those without the condition. A woman may feel empowered by an diagnosis and take steps to improve her life. To receive a diagnosis one must first consult a qualified healthcare professional for an assessment and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage in the workplace, especially. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD have trouble managing their day-to-day schedule and completing work tasks. They may lose important paperwork or appointments or rely on productivity apps to keep on track. These apps are helpful but they are not a substitute for good organizational skills.
Gender roles can increase the severity of ADHD symptoms in women. Women are required to look after their families and their homes, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. This pressure from society could cause women suffering from ADHD to feel ashamed and blame themselves for failing to fulfill these expectations.
Problems with time management can cause frustration both in personal and professional relationships. The signs of ADHD can cause you to underestimate how long it takes to complete a task, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're frequently late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklists to keep on top of deadlines. Make frequent breaks to clear your mind and get moving.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to help you stay focused on your task and reduce distractions. For example, instead of listening to podcasts or music while working, play the news on your phone. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, think about switching to a car that has a manual transmission. It is also possible to drive with your cell phone turned off to stop distracted texting and calling.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional can suggest treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest the appropriate therapy depending on your symptoms and the current situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you to learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. You can also seek couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between you and your family members.
3. Anxiety and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. doctors that treat adhd in adults may have difficulty coping with these issues, leading to a range of unhealthy behaviours. To cope with their symptoms, they may turn to substances or unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. In addition women are more prone to be misdiagnosed for these conditions. They may receive the wrong treatment, which could make them feel worse or cause other problems.
It's important to note that a myriad of factors can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD like stress and certain physical ailments and illnesses. That's why it's essential to see a medical specialist or a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this disparity in the prevalence of ADHD diagnosis among women and men is due to a mix of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are expected to take on more household and parenting tasks than men. This pressure can result in feelings of self-doubt and can lead to distorted beliefs that can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.
Additionally, women are less likely to disclose their symptoms to a healthcare professional because they believe they can handle them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD may also be more likely than other people to blame their symptoms on other factors, for example, sleep deprivation or stress. This can lead to many women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until they reach adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic period has been particularly challenging for young adults, who tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than adults of middle age. The peaks in these levels coincided with the peaks in the number of COVID-19 cases and occurred during a time of racial justice protests, mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine and recurring climate catastrophes and rising unemployment. Stress exposure either in the form of chronic or recent, is known to increase anxiety and depression. This combination of factors could explain why these levels are persistently high.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD can have trouble making and keeping friends particularly as they age. Social isolation can cause health issues like high blood pressure or chronic stress. Being close to family and friends members who offer assistance can be beneficial however, many adults discover that they are unable to make new acquaintances or maintain existing relationships.
The social norms relating to gender and sexuality can have an influence whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, parents or teachers were less likely than males to refer girls to services for ADHD. This is thought to be partly due to the different types of symptoms that manifest in girls and boys: boys and men typically display hyperactive/impulsive-type symptoms, while girls and women typically show primarily inattentive-type symptoms.
The expectations of society for women and girls can increase the severity of ADHD symptoms. Girls and women are often held to a higher standard than boys and men for the behaviors, attitudes, and traits they exhibit--particularly in relation to their empathy and ability to relate to others. This means that women and girls are more likely to be punished for exhibiting ADHD-related symptoms such as disorganization and inattention. They may be misdiagnosed with anxiety or mood disorders, and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated appropriately.
In addition hormonal fluctuations can cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels decrease at the end of their menstrual cycle and during ovulation. This can cause girls' and women's symptoms appear to be more severe. Combined with hormonal changes in the adolescent stage, this could result in confusion regarding their symptoms, making it harder to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
While it is true that many of the same treatment options work for women with ADHD like they do for men However, a mental health professional will still have to take a look at each individual's specific needs and symptoms. The type of treatment a patient receives depends on their ADHD symptoms as in addition to other factors that may be the cause of their issues. For instance the history of depression or a traumatic experience. A few common treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, in which people learn to change their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones, as well as couples counseling, which can help individuals improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.